Eid-el-Kabir: Nigerians Need Hope, Not Empty Promises — CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged leaders across the country to demonstrate sacrifice through honesty, compassion and service as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a powerful symbol of faith, obedience and devotion to God.

The association said the celebration comes at a difficult period for many Nigerians battling economic hardship, insecurity and uncertainty over the future.

According to the statement, many citizens now face hardship through “skipped meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses and sleepless nights” as rising living costs continue to affect families and businesses across the country.

“Families are struggling to survive rising living costs. Farmers are abandoning their lands out of fear. Small businesses are collapsing under economic pressure. Young people are increasingly uncertain about their future, while insecurity continues to cast a shadow over many communities,” CAN stated.

The Christian body stressed that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir should inspire leaders at all levels to make sacrifices that prioritise the welfare of citizens.

“At a moment like this, the deeper meaning of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more important. Sacrifice must not remain a burden carried only by ordinary citizens. Leadership must also reflect sacrifice through honesty, restraint, service, compassion and visible commitment to the well-being of the people,” the statement added.

CAN called on leaders in government, politics, business, security agencies and religious institutions to set aside “indifference, blame-shifting and narrow interests” in order to restore public confidence and ease hardship across the country.

The association further stated that Nigerians were yearning for practical solutions rather than repeated promises.

“Nigerians need hope they can see, not promises they no longer believe. Public trust cannot be rebuilt through speeches alone. Citizens want to see leadership that listens, leadership that acts and leadership that is willing to share in the sacrifices ordinary people make every day,” it said.

CAN also warned against allowing economic hardship to fuel ethnic, religious or regional divisions, noting that poverty and insecurity affect all Nigerians regardless of background.

“Hunger does not ask for tribe or religion. Poverty does not discriminate. Insecurity threatens everyone. In times like these, division only deepens the nation’s wounds,” the association stated.

The body urged religious leaders to continue promoting peace, moderation and reconciliation amid growing tensions in parts of the country.

It also encouraged privileged Nigerians, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families during the festive season.

CAN expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges through sacrifice, justice, compassion and unity, while praying for peace, healing and renewed hope across the country as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.